The tumultuous saga surrounding Kanye West‘s public campaign against Pete Davidson and his estranged wife Kim Kardashian has captivated audiences, moving far beyond mere celebrity gossip into a prolonged public drama. From social media roasts to controversial music videos, West’s actions created a hostile environment, prompting Kardashian to recently speak out about the profound impact on her personal life and her perspective on dealing with a “vocal ex.”
The intricate and often volatile dynamics between Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, and Pete Davidson have been a focal point of celebrity news for an extended period. What began as a high-profile divorce quickly escalated into a public feud, fueled by West’s outspoken commentary and artistic expressions. This deep dive explores the timeline of these events, the specific instances of conflict, and Kardashian’s candid reflections on navigating such a challenging personal situation in the public eye.
The Genesis of “Skete”: Kanye’s Initial Social Media Blitz
The friction between Kanye West, also known as Ye, and Pete Davidson reached a fever pitch following Davidson’s relationship with West’s estranged wife, Kim Kardashian. West, known for his unfiltered use of social media, quickly dubbed Davidson with the derogatory nickname “Skete.” This was just the beginning of a prolonged public campaign.
West’s initial attacks included releasing a diss track, publishing private text messages between himself and Kardashian, and even sharing a photoshopped Marvel image depicting a “civil war” against those he was unhappy with, including Davidson and artist Kid Cudi. This behavior reportedly left Kardashian “exhausting” and displeased, as reported by news outlets.
A particularly provocative incident occurred after Davidson and Kardashian’s breakup, when West returned to Instagram to post a photoshopped image of a New York Times front page with the headline “Skete Davidson Dead at Age 28.” This post quickly went mega-viral, accumulating over a million likes within its first hour. The image also included a subtle jab at Kid Cudi in the fine print, stating, “Kid Cudi meant to play funeral but fearful of bottle throwers,” referencing their ongoing feud which had previously seen Cudi targeted with thrown bottles at Rolling Loud Miami.
The Controversial “Eazy” Music Video
Perhaps the most shocking manifestation of West’s animosity came with the release of the animated music video for his song “Eazy,” featuring rapper The Game. The video, widely condemned for its violent imagery, depicted a claymation version of Kanye kidnapping, tying up, and burying a claymation Pete Davidson alive. The lyrics accompanying this disturbing visual were equally explicit: “God saved me from the crash, just so I can beat Pete Davidson’s ass.”
The video concluded with a stark message: “EVERYONE LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER / EXCEPT SKETE YOU KNOW WHO / JK HE’S FINE,” further emphasizing West’s singular focus on Davidson. This controversial release led to widespread criticism, with many social media users calling for Kardashian and Davidson to seek restraining orders against West for what they perceived as harassment. Details of the song and its lyrics were widely circulated, as noted by TMZ.
Saul Goode/YouTube
Pete Davidson depicted in Kanye West’s ‘Eazy’ music video
Kim Kardashian’s Candid Reflections: Speaking Out on “Call Her Daddy”
Years after the peak of the drama, Kim Kardashian offered her most direct assessment of Kanye West‘s behavior during an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast. She specifically addressed the “Eazy” music video, stating, “That made me feel really sad. That really wasn’t fair for him. And I felt so sad and sorry for him and he was such a great man [who] was like, ‘I got this, don’t worry, it’s all good.’ Or at least acted that way.”
Kardashian confessed that having a “vocal ex” has significantly impacted her “current approach to dating,” causing her to put up a “guard.” She explained the difficulty of wanting to date while simultaneously fearing the potential negative consequences for her new partners due to West’s past actions. “It has been a little frustrating but then I get really, my person wouldn’t care about that, you know?” she elaborated, acknowledging the complexities of her situation.
While she expressed hope that West “wouldn’t say something” now, she admitted, “but you never know.” This uncertainty highlights the lasting psychological effect of the prolonged public harassment on her ability to pursue new relationships freely. Her reflections offer a window into the personal cost of high-profile celebrity drama, demonstrating a resilience often overlooked by the public.
Escalation, Intervention, and Broader Impacts
The feud wasn’t limited to music videos and social media roasts. At one point, West explicitly encouraged his followers on Instagram to harass Davidson, stating, “if anyone loves me and my family if you see skete in real life scream at yhe looser at the top of your lungs and say kimye forever.” This direct call for public harassment prompted Kim Kardashian to intervene, sending a text message to West that he subsequently posted publicly.
In her text, Kardashian expressed serious concern: “u are creating a dangerous and scary environment and someone will hurt pete and this will all be your fault. there are dangerous people out there and this is scary and doesn’t have to be.” Following her plea, West rescinded his call to action, claiming he would “handle the situation myself.” This period also saw West purchase a property directly across the street from Kardashian’s home, ostensibly to be closer to their children: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm.
Beyond Davidson, West’s public spats extended to others in his professional circle. He accused Big Sean and John Legend of taking the “easy” route by disassociating with him, claiming he had “changed both these people’s lives.” The continued feud with Kid Cudi was also a consistent subplot, with West reportedly removing Cudi from a track and including him in his “civil war” poster, directly due to Cudi’s friendship with Davidson.
Fan Community Reactions and Lasting Implications
The protracted drama between Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, and Pete Davidson generated immense discussion within fan communities. Many fans expressed concern over the intensity of West’s attacks, while others debated the boundaries of artistic expression versus personal harassment. Kardashian’s recent statements on the Call Her Daddy podcast provided a new dimension for fans, offering a more nuanced understanding of the emotional toll such public feuds can take on those directly involved.
The community has often rallied in support of both Kardashian and Davidson, criticizing West’s methods and acknowledging the bravery required to navigate such a public and aggressive situation. The conversation has shifted from sensational headlines to a more empathetic understanding of the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of high-profile celebrity relationships.
Ultimately, this saga serves as a compelling case study in modern celebrity culture, demonstrating the power of social media to amplify personal conflicts and the enduring impact of a public divorce. While Kim Kardashian now hopes the issue is a “non-issue,” the legacy of Kanye West‘s intense campaign against Pete Davidson remains a significant chapter in recent entertainment history.
